FAQ

Mad Science takes all the hassle and frustration out of running an after-school program because we do all the work for you!

What does my child get out of Mad Science?

Mad Science® Programs get children, even children who have not previously expressed an interest in science, excited about science so that they go back to their parents and teachers wanting to learn more. Some parents have told us that their children’s science grades have gone up after taking our After School Program. In fact, a recent educational study (Char and Miller, 2006) found that participation in Mad Science® led to a significant increase in students' knowledge of science content and concepts.

How big are the classes?

We believe in quality over quantity so we limit each class to a maximum of 20 students (with 20 students there would be 2 Mad Science instructors). This allows us to provide the individual attention to the children that makes a Mad Science® program so special. If we have more than 20 paid registrants who wish to participate, we may be able to offer an additional class (with the school’s approval) to fill this need. Subject to enrollment, the children will be grouped by similar grades.

Do you have a guarantee?

Yes! Our guarantee is simple. You will be satisfied with Mad Science® or we will make it right. We are confident in and put our reputation behind, the quality of our programs and instructors. If your child attends the first session of the course and does not wish to continue, you will be given a full refund.

However, after the 2nd class, if you choose to remove your child from the course for any reason, a prorated refund will be given for all remaining classes, less a cancellation fee of $10.00. No refunds are available after the 3rd class.

Is it an exciting yet controlled atmosphere?

Yes! Mad Science® strives at all times to provide fun science activities to all children. In an effort to fulfill this commitment, we ask that all children enrolled follow basic and clear behavioral guidelines as to appropriate conduct, which our Instructors cover at the beginning of every class. We realize that the hands-on, high-energy nature of our program excites and motivates children. Our programs are specifically designed to harness and direct that excitement. We ask for your cooperation, should any parent be notified of discipline problems. If necessary, Mad Science® may ask that a child be removed from his or her Mad Science® class. Please know that it is our intention to provide children with, not deprive them of, exciting and fun science. It is only when a child interrupts or interferes with this positive learning atmosphere that we would take any such action. In such a case, a prorated refund, less a $10 handling fee, will be happily awarded.

Who is responsible for my child’s attendance at Mad Science®?

Parents are responsible for their child’s attendance at our after-school program. Mad Science® is not responsible for the children before or after the stated class times. We will work with school staff and parents to facilitate the transition of students to and from our after school program. Unfortunately, we cannot go looking for students who may have boarded a school bus or walked home in error on a Mad Science® day. On the first week of the program, we will ask the school to make an annoucement to remind children of the program and its location. When there is more than one class, Mad Scientists often meet children in a central location on the first week and escort them to the appropriate classrooms. On subsequent weeks the Mad Scientists will meet the children at these same classrooms. To further facilitate the transition to Mad Science, we provide the school with a list of the children enrolled in the program, which we ask be passed onto teachers. If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding this, please contact us.

How will the children be dismissed after each Mad Science® class?

Your child will be dismissed from each class according to what you have indicated on the registration form. Should this information change, we ask that you notify us in writing (by email is fine). Walkers will be dismissed at the end of each class. A Mad Scientist® will accompany students who attend after-school day care (if provided at the school) to the appropriate room. For reasons of child safety, parents who will be picking up their children are asked to do so at the Mad Science® classrooms.

Please do not leave your child unattended after the Mad Science®class.

Parents agree to pick up their children promptly after class. Our instructors may have other commitments. Though the child will remain in the care of a Mad Science® instructor until the parent or someone designated by the parent is able to pick up the child, we ask parents to do everything possible to avoid such situations.

Parents who know that they will be late picking up their child are asked to call our office so that the message may be relayed to the appropriate instructor. After the second occurrence of picking up a child more than 15 minutes after the Mad Science® class dismissal time and keeping an instructor waiting, your child may be withdrawn from our program until such time that you are able to make arrangements to pick up or have your child picked up on time. A prorated refund, less a $10 handling fee, will be returned to you.

NSF cheques

Please note that NSF or STOP PAYMENT cheques will result in a $25 administration fee. If repayment is made in the Mad Science® office within 7 days, the administration fee will be reduced to $10. Failure to pay tuition and/or administration fees will result in a child being withdrawn from the program.

Schedule conflict with the Mad Science®After School Program at your child's school?

Do other activities conflict with the after school program at your child's school? Let us know and perhaps we can work with the school to open another section now or in the near future. Then consider a Mad Science® birthday or summer camp experience! Call for details or browse the appropriate pages of our web site.

Class Cancellations?

Mad Science® reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration. Should we have to do so, we will strive to provide parents with as much notice as possible.

Once underway, Mad Science® classes will only be cancelled in the event of an emergency school closure. If school is running but there is inclement weather, Mad Science® reserves the right to cancel class if we feel there is a risk to our staff which sometimes has to drive long distances to reach the school. All parents will be contacted at the email address given during registration if a class is cancelled.

Mad Science® classes will be scheduled around Early Release days, Parent-Teacher Interviews, PD days and holidays.

Classes missed due to Early Release days, Parent-Teacher Interviews, PD days, holidays or school closures will be added to the end of the affected course as an extra class. Such make up classes will take place on the same day and at the same time and in the same room that the regular class was scheduled.

Is the Mad Science® After-School Program available in French?

Mais oui! We are able to offer our program in French on a limited "first-come, first-served" basis.